An interesting feature was the interchangeable upper and mainplanes which resulted in the upper wings being shorter than the lower, due to the lack of a centre-section between the upper planes. In February 1929 a second improved prototype,with a shorter forward fuselage and larger tail surfaces,[1] designated P.W.S. 5a was flown, which, in spite of being heavier than planned, empty weight 735 kg (1,620 lb) versus 600 kg (1,323 lb), that affected performance, the War Ministry considered the design satisfactory, with good handling and stability, ordering a short series of 5 aircraft which were designated PWS.5t2 by the factory in a similar fashion to the French Air Ministry ("t" standing for towarzyszący - army co-operation and 2 being the crew size).[2]

However, a detailed evaluation in the Aviation Technical Research Institute (ITBL) showed, that the 'PWS.5t2' had a long take-off run, poor handling in the glide at slow speed and low ceiling due to the use of an inadequate Wright propeller.[1] Other competitors: the PZL Ł.2 and Lublin R-X were evaluated, with better results, so no more PWS-5s were ordered.[2]

The PWS. 5 was a two-seater biplane of wooden construction with a rectangular section fuselage, rectangular in cross-section 0.76 m wide, with plywood skin, except the engine compartment which was covered with aluminium sheeting. The rectangular wooden wings had two-spars, covered with canvas and plywood, with the Upper and lower wings connected by N-shaped inter-plane struts and staggered forward. The crew of two, sat in tandem open cockpits, the pilot having a windshield, and the observer sat in a higher cockpit with glazed upper sides, and a 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Lewis machine gun on a ring mounting. The undercarriage consisted of a fixed split axle conventional landing gear, with a rear skid. All fuel was carried in a 190 l (41.8 Gall.[clarification needed]) fuel tank mounted in the fuselage, forward of the pilots cockpit.[2]

A progressive development of the P.W.S.5 fitted with Handley Page automatic leading-edge slats, higher aspect ratio wings, full span flaperons on the lower wing (upper wing ailerons removed). The fuselage was faired to a circular section and the engine enclosed in a Townend ring. One built.[1]